The Concept of Military Objectives in International Law and Targeting Practice

The concept that certain objects and persons may be legitimately attacked during armed conflicts has been well recognised and developed through the history of warfare. This book explores the relationship between international law and targeting practice in determining whether an object is a lawful military target. By examining both the interpretation and its post-ratification application this book provides a comprehensive analysis of the definition of military objective adopted in 1977 Additional Protocol I to the four 1949 Geneva Conventions and its use in practice.

Agnieszka Jachec-Neale is an Associate Fellow for Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House), UK. Her research explores legal and doctrinal aspects of targeting and military operational practice, and examines the application of technological advancements in modern warfare. She has over 5 years' experience working with international organisations in south eastern Europe, where specialised in monitoring domestic war crimes trials and in the enforcement of human rights standards in emerging democracies.